MOSES LAKE - Jason Avila is running for position 3 on the Moses Lake City Council because he wants to begin working for the city he loves.

"I have been a life-long resident of Moses Lake, and this community has given me so much," he said. "I now feel that it's time to give back and time for me to start carrying the load."

Avila's experience running a small business for the past nine years has taught him how to budget, accommodate people and work with others to accomplish goals, all things he believes would help him transition into a position on the city council.

If elected, his primary goals would be to serve the city by listening to what the people of Moses Lake want while helping foster more growth.

The city is currently at a crossroads, Avila said, meaning city council members will have to deal with several challenges in the coming years.

"The biggest challenge facing Moses Lake is to keep our small town charm while facing larger city issues such as gang violence and the growth of Moses Lake," he said.

Avila believes the city should not go out of its way to provide sewer service to the Grant County Fairgrounds, saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." He does think it's possible for both parties to come to an agreement at some point in the future.

The city should stand back from any decision about annexing the Larson housing area, Avila said, because it's up to the people living within the area to decide if they are ready to be part of city limits.

When asked if the city's policy of code enforcement should be changed, Avila said he believes the current practice of handling around 60 percent of violations via patrols and 40 percent via complaints is for the most part working, although some adjustments could be made.

"I would like to see them handle it a little better with small business owners and would like to see the city provide citizens with adequate education regarding the city code prior to enforcement," he said.

As far as what city priorities should be when spending money, Avila would like to see funds spent in areas they're needed after a thorough evaluation of all areas within the city budget.

Avila said voters should choose him over his opponent because he's bringing new ideas to the table and is working toward the same goals as other citizens for the benefit of the entire community.